place pool chemicals into 6 categories for a better understanding

While these 6 categories are not endorsed by the pool industry as the official categories of pool chemicals, it simply might and likely will be easiest for you to understand pool chemicals by placing them into these 6 categories:

1. Sanitizer - used consistently
2. Oxidizer (Shock) - used consistently
3. Balancers - used consistently
4. Maintenance - used consistently
5. As-Needed - used only when needed
6. Specialty - used only in certain situations.

If you place chemicals in these 6 categories, then it may make it easier to understand the chemicals you need for your pool water.

You can read the Pool Manual for additional information about pool chemicals. The Pool Chemicals section of the Pool Manual is still the most-viewed section.